The second half started with us playing at a high tempo, but as in previous games we just couldn't maintain it, and gradually our chances of grabbing a second slipped away. After a lull in pressure from us West Brom went on the attack, and when Carter hit the ball first time from just outside the area there was only ever going to be one result. A tremendous strike, but unfortunately it stopped us gaining even a point from a trip that really should have yielded three.
The performance on the whole was not great, but at the same time it wasn't to the worst we have seen this season. Yet another injury set back was another blow and something we could have done without, but with the news that Van Persie, Gilberto and Henry will all make the squad for Tuesday things appear to be getting better. Roll on Prague, as we look to continue our 100% start in Europe.
Jens Lehmann (6) Swept up around the area, and claimed crosses well. He could do nothing to stop either goal.
Gael Clichy (7) Considering the fact that he was given no protection, he had a very good game, winning most of his challenges and passing well.
Philippe Senderos (6) Strong in the tackle but got caught out of position a few times. Grabbed his first goal for the club with a well taken volley.
Kolo Toure (7) Hard in the tackle and full of energy. He kept going for the full ninety which is more than can be said about some others.
Lauren (7) Made two crucial saving headers to deny West Brom further goals.
Robert Pires (4) He may as well have not been on the pitch for the good he did. Lacklustre from start to finish. He lacked any sort of conviction going forward and his half hearted attempts at defending were simply embarrassing.
Cesc Fabregas (8) This was the performance that we have been waiting to see from him. Back to his best, dropping deep to pick the ball up and always looking to make himself available to others. His distribution was excellent and his commitment didn't falter all game.
Mathieu Flamini (7) A great display of tackling, but it's fair to say his strengths lie in a defensive midfield position after his two wild efforts in this game.
Freddie Ljungberg (6) Started brightly before limping off in the first half which will mean three weeks on the sidelines.
Jose Reyes (7) Worked tirelessly throughout, but again it was his decision making and lack of shots which let him down.
Dennis Bergkamp (7) Great in spells, with his link up play setting up many a chance, and he also had one clear chance himself.
Subs:
Emmanuel Eboue (5) I found this substitution bizarre. It seemed as though we were shutting up shop with around an hour left by bringing him on ahead of Quincy and playing him out of position. He couldn't get into the game, but being as he was out of position this is understandable.
Quincy (5) Didn't have time to get involved.